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Neuroscience and the ‘Sanskrit Effect’

*Western researchers reveal why children who memorize Sanskrit Mantras become super intelligent as they grow up*

Neuroscience shows how rigorous memorising can help the brain. The term the ‘Sanskrit Effect’ was coined by Neuroscientist James Hartzell, who studied 21 professionally qualified Sanskrit pandits. He discovered that memorising Vedic mantras increases the size of brain regions associated with cognitive function, including short and long-term memory. This finding corroborates the beliefs of the Indian tradition which holds that memorising and reciting mantras enhances memory and thinking.

Dr Hartzell’s recent study raises the question whether this kind of memorisation of ancient texts could be helpful in reducing the devastating illness of Alzheimer’s and other memory affecting diseases. Apparently, Ayurvedic doctors from India suggest it is the case and future studies will be conducted, along with more research into Sanskrit.

While we all know the benefits of mindfulness and meditation practices, the findings of Dr Hartzell are truly dramatic. In a world of shrinking attention spans, where we are flooded with information daily, and children display a range of attention deficit disorders, ancient Indian wisdom has much to teach the West (and their ‘modernised’ intellectual serfs in the East).

Even introducing small amounts of chanting and recitation of the common sanskrit mantras like gayatri mantra daily could have an amazing effect on all of our brains.